Walking Snacks

Tuesday 31st August 2010

Wight Wanders tips on energy snacks when walking

There are no rules on what to pack while you are walking but always pack snack items when walking to keep your energy levels to a maximum. Snacks need to be light weight, easy to nibble, have a nutritional benefit and above all have travelability.

Some ideas Dried fruit Nuts almonds. Salted peanuts or cashews Pumpkin seeds Cereal bars, crisps Bag of sliced or baby carrots Bag of popcorn Fruit especially bananas as they are high in potassium which is an electrolyte that is easily lost when long distance walking. Sweets, Kendal mint cake if sugar levels dip.

When the temperature get warm it is best to avoid chocolate as it melts.

The most important thing is to have plenty of fluids always pack more than you think to avoid dehydration.

Specialist energy bars can be expensive a healthy alternative is to make your own oat flap jacks.

Sandie?s Flap Jack recipe These are delicious, easy to make and travel well in a rucksack. The oats offer a slow release of energy.

Method Turn oven on to 160c and grease a baking tin 1. Add sugar and butter into a saucepan. Heat until the butter melts. 2. Add rolled oats and golden syrup 3. Mix together 4. Put mixture into the baking tin and smooth the top 5. Bake for around 30 minutes 6. When cool cut into 8 portions

Above all pack things that you know you will enjoy and graze on them during the day. I often use them as a reward when I reach key points on the route.

Talking from experience:~ as tempting as the lunch stop menu may look try to avoid a big lunch and keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum or you will get sleepy and the last stretch of your walk will feel like a marathon.